Intelligent Automation Inc. (IAI) proposes to develop a portable high-resolution imaging system based on frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) millimeter-wave (MMW) radar. The system will be operating at a stand-off distance (5-10meter) to detect concealed objects such as bulk quantities of currencies secreted on person or in luggage which are moving at walking speed. The key advantages of this system include:
3D ultra high-resolution imaging (centimeters); capability of seeing through clothing or through leather; portable and easy to setup; advanced target recognition algorithms for bulk quantities of currencies, such as radar polarimetry, Bragg-scattering signature and MUSIC superresolution analysis; Solely based on COTS RF components and existing IAI-developed DSP system;
extremely low RF-emission due to the nature of close-range sensing.

The Department of Homeland Security, the Military, and civilian first-responders have an urgent need for sensitive detectors of harmful materials such as biological and chemical warfare agents, toxic industrial chemicals, and explosives. Handheld instruments must be sensitive, be able to detect a wide variety of target compounds in a matter of seconds, reliably discriminate between innocuous and harmful compounds, and be relatively inexpensive. A technology with great promise for addressing all of these requirements is miniature ion trap mass spectrometry (MIT-MS). These relatively simple devices are capable of detecting, identifying, and quantitating target compounds with great sensitivity and high levels of confidence. Mass spectrometry, nearly unique among analytical instrumental methods, combines high sensitivity with generality (i.e., applicability towards all compound classes) thus offering the high molecular information necessary for confident identification. One of the biggest factors preventing the development of truly low-cost and portable MIT-MS is the cost, size, mass, and power requirements of the high vacuum system required for its operation. Based on our highly successful Phase I project, Creare proposes to address this need by completing the development of an innovative, miniature, rugged, vacuum system during Phase II.

Centripetal Networks, Inc. (CNI) will research and develop a Network Protection System (NPS) capable of providing a Network Survivability, Recovery, and Reconstitution (NS2R) service requested by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). NS2R will help the DHS achieve its mission to secure, protect, and defend US Internet infrastructure. This NPS builds on CNI's successful completion of the SBIR SB010.2 Phase I program, in which CNI delivered a new fast-switching, large rule-base network protection technology. For the Phase II program CNI will expand on the Phase I technology by developing a family of NPS beta prototypes capable of hosting NS2R services and a new generation of network security and protection services which carriers, service providers, and enterprises may use to secure, protect, and defend their networks.

The current practice of training canines for explosives detection utilizing actual explosives requires qualified personnel that are trained to handle explosive materials making the training both manpower-intensive and costly. The expense is further exacerbated by the need to handle and dispose of the explosive material according to local, state, and federal explosives regulations. Finally, the nature of explosives creates a risk of injury to the canine and its handler. This is especially problematic for the highly sensitive peroxide-based improvised explosives such as hexamethylene triperoxide diamine (HMTD). These peroxides are unstable compounds that are sensitive to shock, friction, and heat. HMTD even reacts with most common metals in a process that can lead to detonation. Clearly, working with these explosives in pure form is extremely risky. To solve this problem the proposed research will utilize porous ceramic materials in which HMTD is housed in a fashion that will inhibit or prevent explosive hazards while ensuring the maintenance of a normal vapor pressure of HMTD without any confounding extraneous volatile materials that could interfere with canine training.

The Usability Evaluation and Management (USEMAN) system is an automated tool to support the planning and conduct of usability evaluations of the user-computer interface. USEMAN is designed to enhance the thoroughness, effectiveness and efficiency in the identification of evaluation requirements. Through its five component architecture, USEMAN (a) supports generation of a usability test plan, (b) provides a comprehensive management system for tracking evaluation progress, (c) incorporates a set of design guidelines to be used in the analysis of evaluation data, (d) collects, logs and analyses evaluation data, and (e) standardizes report generation. USEMAN represents a substantial step forward in the support of usability assessment, as it is designed to effectively support practitioners throughout the usability evaluation process. The USEMAN system will enhance the usability evaluation process within the Department of Homeland Security, other government agencies, and commercial applications via its automated capabilities.

To address the HSARPA need for a next generation helmet with an embedded heads up display for personal situation awareness for emergency responders, Physical Optics Corporation, POC, proposes to continue the development of the Helmet Embedded Conformal Augmented Display, HECAD, system. The HECAD system is based on a modular design that integrates miniature commercial off the shelf microdisplays, our see through low profile waveguide optics, and lightweight, wearable, processing electronics and sensors. The successful Phase I investigation provides tangible and practical see through display results that included LWIR sensor data in real time for demonstrating augmented reality capability while consuming very low power. In accomplishing this feat, POC also developed the appropriate support electronics and software including end user driven symbology as well as lightweight and compact mechanical packaging, resulting in an advanced mockup and the first in mask active matrix display with full motion video. In the proposed Phase II, POC plans to develop HECAD prototypes, which will ultimately provide advanced situation awareness by selectively displaying potentially life saving information and real time video from imaging sensors such as LWIR cameras on a see through display that does not occlude the users visual field of view. Throughout the Phase II effort POC will continue our relationship with the end users and equipment manufacturers.

H-SB010.2-008

H-SB010.2-008 - Handheld Multisensor Wand for the Detection of Threat or Illicit Objects on Persons

Award/Contract Number

D11PC20186

Abstract

This SLI proposal for development of a Multisensor Wand, which we designated the MultiFunction Wand, describes a carefully planned program to reach the overarching objective of providing a sound design concept that will address the vital need for a Handheld Multisensor tool to improve the checkpoint screeners ability to quickly make a judgment call on whether someone is concealing illicit objects or threats without requiring analysis of an image. The ultimate MultiFunction Wand Program objective is to successfully design and develop a MFW prototype suitable for independent evaluation by the Transportation Security Laboratory by the end of a Phase II program. The MFW will integrate multiple sensing technologies in a hand held sensor that will provide an unambiguous indication of the presence of contraband. To meet this need, Spectral Labs Incorporated plans to advance the design of the sensors demonstrated in Phase I to a form factor suitable for packaging in a handheld device. We will conduct the system design and fabrication activities required to integrate our sensors into Prototype devices ready for DHS Test and Evaluation.

H-SB010.2-008 - Handheld Multisensor Wand for the Detection of Threat or Illicit Objects on Persons

Award/Contract Number

D11PC20184

Abstract

To address the HSARPA need for a nonimaging handheld multisensory system for bulk detection of threats and illicit objects hidden on a body of a person, under clothing or in body cavities, Physical Optics Corporation proposes to develop a new Dielectric Relaxation Analyzing Probe. This proposed device is based on Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy. The DRAP device will offer detection of both conductive and nonconductive objects, and will also work as a metal detector. In Phase I POC demonstrated the feasibility of DRAP through design, fabrication, and evaluation of a conceptual DRAP prototype. In Phase II POC plans to fabricate and demonstrate a prototype of the DRAP handheld multisensory system, verify and validate the probability of detection and false detection rates, and evaluate the potential for threats and illicit objects to be camouflaged. The successful development of this technology at the end of Phase III will benefit the Nation in both government and commercial sectors by providing a versatile and wide detection range handheld screening tool. Commercial applications for this technology include the screening of passengers at checkpoints and cargo at ports of entry into the United States. The device can be used also by security guards, Coast Guards, and police officers.